(above) My twin sis Christy and her puppy Bailey. (below) A few attendees at my b-day pizza dinner at Binghampton.

Last Saturday, July 24, my sister and I celebrated our 36th birthday together. No, that’s not a particularly special birthday or traditionally worth talking about, but it was the first time since 2003 that my twin and I were in the same temporal and spatial location. So for us it definitely merited a mark on the calendar!

What did we do that day? As you know, one should go “all out” for one’s day of birth. So for lunch Christy and I went to Q’doba (a tasty burrito chain) and then to a cupcake place where my lovely sister treated me to the best cupcake I’ve ever had to fortune to taste. And then…well…that was pretty much it. A nice relaxing day before and after.

Okay, so going to a burrito place isn’t exactly posh, but the food and company were great. And the designer cupcake made up for any lack of poshness. Later that night my friends at Binghampton invited me over for pizza and company, so all-in-all I’d say the beginning of my 37th year has kicked off well!

church plants are da' bomb

To date I’ve been a part of—or at least close to—three different church plants. And each one has looked very different from the others. One of those was in the States, one in Ireland, and one in the Czech Republic.

Coming back to the southern part of our United States last year was a little strange because I’d gotten used to not just church plants, but small churches. A healthy church of 150 people in Memphis, for instance, might be considered small, while in Europe that would be quite a good size. But I didn’t seriously consider getting involved with a church plant in Memphis because I didn’t think I’d find one.

So I was pleased…and a little jealous…when my sister joined with the launch team of a new church plant called Christ City Church in midtown Memphis. Christ City is an Acts 29 church plant, and they’ve chosen midtown to join in planting the seeds of city renewal, a Memphis that will look increasingly like the new city to come. Many members of the launch team believe so strongly in the church’s vision that they’re actually moving from the outlying communities of Memphis back into the center. And the crazy thing is the church hasn’t even officially started yet. The launch date is September 19!

Change, commitment, and community always take sacrifice, and it’s not just refreshing but inspiring to see “everyday” people work to make them happen. Please pray for Christ City Church and the people who are committing to see Christ magnified in the city of Memphis. These are folks who are reorienting every aspect of their lives to live out a profound vision.

But don’t stop there. Let’s allow their example to inspire us to do the same!

updates

One of the most common questions my friends are asking me these days is, “So, when are you heading overseas?” Until recently my answer has been, “I don’t know. Sorry.” Now I’ve graduated to, “Soon… I think.”

Yes, I’m paraphrasing. But I’m sure you don’t want to hear all the “patience really stinks” parts of my conversations!

As you know there have been a few speedbumps in my journey to ministry in Europe, and even lately there have been twists in the road. But Greater Europe Mission has been supportive, and I can say that I should have a return date set fairly soon. Please pray as I continue preparing to move back to Europe and that the details fall into place quickly. And please pray for my patience! Waiting is difficult when I’m ready to go.

The positive part of staying in Memphis a bit longer is that I get to spend time with my family and strengthen the relationships God has blessed me with. I also get to experience and even support the budding church plant of Christ City Church and explore what God is doing through the arts in Memphis. This time has definitely been a blessing to me.

Thank you for your prayers!

Your partner in ministry,

Jason McFarland

“...and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8